Andrea Pirlo completes transfer to New York City FC from Juventus

The tears in Berlin said it all as Andrea Pirlo clearly knew his time with Juventus had come to an end following the team's loss to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

The Italian midfielder is officially on his way to Major League Soccer after agreeing to join New York City FC following four trophy-laden years with Juventus, the Serie A team announced Monday.

Pirlo joins the league's newest team on a free transfer and will officially link up with his new team July 21 when he will be available for selection. He could make his MLS debut July 26 against Orlando City or Aug. 1 against the Montreal Impact. Both matches will be played at home at Yankee Stadium.

"I have been wanting this experience for a long time and now that the opportunity materialized I wanted to take it," Pirlo said in an interview on the team's website. "This is a club on the rise and shares my same hunger to achieve important results in the league. I am hoping to win.

"I had several opportunities to play outside of Italy, but I never had a doubt in picking New York for the enthusiasm of the people that come watch the team."

The Italian champions were full of praise for Pirlo and the success that subsequently came with his arrival in 2011 when he joined the squad following his illustrious career with AC Milan:

The mercurial midfielder represents the beginning and, until now, the progression of a cycle that has seen the Bianconeri return to the top table of football in Italy and Europe. His visionary passing, pinpoint assists, spectacular goals an masterful free-kicks have been instrumental in the club's continued rise.

"It can be difficult to express emotions in words, particularly when it involves four so important years of my life," Pirlo said in his thank you letter to Juventus fans.

"All I can say is a huge THANK YOU to everybody who has accompanied me and supported me through this adventure: Juventus FC, starting with the president, and can't forget every single person who works there; my teammates of many battles, of many smiles and some tears; the fans and all those who have always followed me affectionately, even in those moments that were not so nice.

"Heartfelt thanks to all of you. It was not easy to decide, but the moment has come to start a new adventure which, however, will never make me forget the bond I have with these colours. To the very end, FORZA JUVENTUS."

The transfer comes as no surprise following rampant speculation since the European season concluded.

Pirlo has been paraded around New York City in recent weeks, and was even featured on NYCFC's official website when the team accidentally posted his profile, which featured his familiar jersey number, 21. He will become the team's third Designated Player following the arrivals of David Villa and Frank Lampard.

"Pirlo is silent charisma, the steadying hand in the middle of the park, the dummy that undoes the opposition defence," Juventus added in its statement. "He's that unexpected ball that splits the game wide open, the lofted pass that brings a team to its knees.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to have shared these four fantastic season with Andrea and all associated with Juventus Football Club wish him the very best for the future.

"Thanks for everything, Maestro, and good luck."

The World Cup-winning midfielder finishes his career in Turin with 19 goals (15 free-kick goals) and 35 assists during his 164 appearances for Juventus.

Let's hope there's not too much dust in the air for those interested in watching one of the world's greatest midfielders in this tribute video released by the club:

(Courtesy: Juventus)

- With translation from ESPNFC